Ekiti Govt Faults Monarch’s Exclusion of Chiefs from Monthly Payroll.

Ekiti Govt Faults Monarch’s Exclusion of Chiefs from Monthly Payroll.

…..Resolves Orin-Odo Obaship tussle.

In a bid to restore unity being threatened by persistent feud among traditional leaders, the Ekiti State Government, has directed the Olorin of Orin- Odo, Ikole Local Government Area, Oba Adebisi Ogunjobi, to swiftly commence the payment of monthly stipends to some aggrieved Chiefs in his community.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the order, on Tuesday, while meditating in a disagreement between some Chiefs and Oba Ogunjobi over alleged exclusion from the government’s monthly payroll.

This intervention stemmed from several petitions written by these aggrieved Chiefs over alleged refusal of Oba Ogunjobi to pay their monthly stipends, since February 28, 2018.

Addressing the parties, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, directed the monarch to pay the aggrieved Chiefs from the month of January, 2025, while part of the outstanding arrears should be defrayed to pacify the affected chiefs.

In resolving the matter, Mrs Afuye was explicit that the stipends for the traditional chiefs can’t be diverted for development purpose, without the consent of the beneficiaries, describing this as a clear negation of the government’s financial statute.

She, however, faulted the traditional chiefs for refusing to cooperate with the monarch to lift the town forward, saying their abstention from traditional meetings was creating a wedge in the wheel of progress.

“I appeal to Kabiyesi to start paying their stipends from this month and part of the outstanding ones should be paid accordingly using internal mechanism. But for you to be paid, go and cooperate with the traditional ruler for the purpose of development and peaceful coexistence.

“I know that not all the outstanding stipends will be paid, but Kabiyesi should look for ways to pay them part of the money to make the chiefs happy .

“Let me say this clearly, spending the chiefs’ stipends on developmental projects without their consent was a misappropriation or diversion of funds. This is not acceptable. You ought to have kept the money in council’s account until they are ready for payment”.

On how the monarch was installed that was instrumental to the crisis in the town, Mrs Afuye, clearly stated that the appointment and installation of Oba Ogunjobi were valid in the face of the law, and that the aggrieved Chiefs should start cooperating with him.

Also lending his voice to the matter, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atibioke, said the installation of Oba Ogunjobi as Olorin of Orin Odo enjoyed government’s approval, advising that all the feuds surrounding the matter should be resolved amicably.

The Commissioner urged the monarch to swiftly commence a trouble shooting process and bring all tendencies together to attract development to the town.

In his testimony, the Secretary of the Traditional Council in Ikole Local Government, Alhaji Suberu Suleiman , revealed that all the monies under contention, were paid into the traditional council’s accounts and that the council was not responsible for the chiefs’ exclusion .

Alhaji Suleiman stated that the council had not defaulted in any way regarding the payment of stipends to the petitioners.

Speaking to the petition on behalf of the petitioners, the Olomodorin of Orin- Odo, Chief Samuel Awoseemo, claimed that eight members of Olorin-in-Council were excluded from payment, with one of them now deceased.

Chief Awoseemo agreed that there was division in the town over how Oba Ogunjobi was installed against their interests, which he said forced them to abstain from the palace’s meetings.

Responding, the monarch promised to make peace with the aggrieved Chiefs and as well heed the government’s advice on the payment of the chiefs’ stipends.

Oba Ogunjobi, however, reiterated that the chiefs would be paid as directed if they show commitment to cooperate and respect his leadership.

Agbeyewa Farms Commends Governor Biodun Oyebanji's Efforts in Revolutionizing Agriculture.

Agbeyewa Farms Commends Governor Biodun Oyebanji's Efforts in Revolutionizing Agriculture.

Ekiti State Government's initiatives in promoting agribusiness have received commendation from Agbeyewa Farms, a leading agricultural company in the state. The farm's Managing Director, Seyi Aiyeleso, made the commendation when he recently led a team of Agbeyewa Farms management to visit the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade in his office in Ado Ekiti.

The visit aimed to appreciate the state government's efforts in providing a conducive environment for the promotion of agribusiness in the state.

Oska praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his visionary leadership in transforming Ekiti State into a thriving agribusiness hub. He commended the governor's efforts to crystalize and promote agribusiness in the state, noting that his initiatives have created a conducive environment for agricultural growth and development. Oska's commendation is a testament to the governor's commitment to making Ekiti State a model for agricultural excellence in Nigeria.

The Agbeyewa Managing Director also commended the Commissioner for his open door policy in ensuring that all matters relating to agricultural development are given adequate attention, particularly as it affects the Cassava Revolution scheme in the state. 

In his response, the Commissioner thanked the Agbeyewa team for the visit, and commended them for surpassing expectations and appreciated the farm's Chairman, John Olajide, for his vision and contributions to agriculture transformation and job creation in Ekiti State. He also commended him for his huge investment in the hospitality business in the State. 

The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between Agbeyewa Farms and the Ekiti State Government, paving the way for transformative growth in the agricultural sector.

Agbeyewa Farms has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation in Ekiti State, with investments in cassava cultivation, aggregation, and processing.

EKSU VC Congratulates Ekiti SSG on Promotion to Professor.

EKSU VC Congratulates Ekiti SSG on Promotion to Professor.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, has congratulated the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on her promotion to the rank of Professor at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

Professor Habibat Adubiaro, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ekiti State.

In a statement issued by the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Professor Ayodele described the promotion as well-deserved, noting that it highlights the recognition and appreciation of Professor Adubiaro’s positive academic contributions at FUOYE.

The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the new rank would further motivate the SSG to make even greater contributions to the academic community.

On behalf of the Governing Council of EKSU, Professor Ayodele also extended felicitations to Adubiaro, who serves as a distinguished member of the university’s council. He commended her positive contributions to deliberations aimed at advancing the institution's development during council meetings.

The statement was signed by Mr. Bode Olofinmuagun, Head of the Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, EKSU.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES SSG ON PROMOTION AS PROFESSOR.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES SSG ON PROMOTION AS PROFESSOR.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, on her elevation to the rank of Professor of Chemistry at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

The Promotion and Appointment Committee of the University, while confirming her promotion in a release on Tuesday, said the professorship takes effect retroactively from October 1, 2022.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described Dr Adubiaro’s elevation as a recognition of her years of academic excellence, adding that the elevation was well earned.

The Governor also commended the Governing Council of the University under the leadership of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), for its objectivity and commitment to justice and fairness. 

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate our hard-working SSG, Dr Habibat Adubiaro for this well- earned promotion. This will not only spur her to do more in her academic and pubic service roles, it will inspire other citizens to continue to aim high in their different areas of endeavors.”, the statement added.

The Governor, had earlier in the afternoon, visited the SSG in her office, to formally congratulate her on the promotion. He was accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo during the visit.

Aviation Minister, Keyamo says Ekiti Airport ready for commercial operations.

Aviation Minister, Keyamo says Ekiti Airport ready for commercial operations.

….airport one the gains of continuity, says Oyebanji.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) on Tuesday said the Ekiti State Agro- Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti is ready for full commercial operations. 

The Minister disclosed this to newsmen shortly after inspecting facilities at the airport in company of the state Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and some top government officials. According to Keyamo, the airport is 99.5 percent completed, affirming that full commercial operations will soon commence.

The Minister also disclosed that the runway, which is of international standard has an apron large enough to sufficiently park many 737 small-body aircraft making it adequately comparable to airports in the developed world.

“As I mentioned yesterday, Ekiti Agro Allied International Cargo Airport is 99.5 percent ready for full commercial operations. I am sure you have seen that we have gone around, the basic requirements for the takeoff of an airport are here, you have the fire station, the tower, navigational equipment already installed, all security equipment in place, the runway we have here is of international standard. You can also see how big the apron is, it can park many 737s with narrow bodies. A lot of narrow bodies can come here and anchor. So, as it is today, Ekiti is ready for the world. 

“And a fact that the Governor has put a lot of passion and resources since he came to office is a testament to his desire for this project. What is left is to ignite all regulatory agencies in aviation to give all the necessary approvals. 

“I landed here to show the world that it’s now safe for landing, which is why Aviation 001 had to land here, it’s a testament that I have confidence in the facilities here for public use. The commercial airline will start coming in anytime from now.” The Minister affirmed.

Governor Oyebanji in his comment, expressed appreciation to the Aviation Minister, Aare Afe Babalola, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making the dreams of the founding fathers and the entire Ekiti people come to reality with their unwavering support towards the completion of the airport project.

Governor Oyebanji, who could not hide his excitement at the current status of the airport, said it spoke to the alignment of vision of the immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi who started the project, and that of the current administration. He said the airport is part of the numerous gains of continuity.

The Governor also stated that the state economy stands to benefit a lot from the project as jobs will be created through agriculture, commerce, and tourism as well as added value to properties in the area because of the anticipated inflow of traffic in the area.

“Now that the Honourable Minister has landed here, it is a stamp of authority that the airport is ready for non-scheduled flight. So, anybody that has a chattered flight can fly into this place without any fear, and very soon commercial flight operations would commence. 

“It is a dual-purpose airport, it’s going to serve agro-allied products as well as commercial passengers.” Governor Oyebanji stated.

Some residents of the area stormed the airport complex, singing and dancing to welcome the Governor and the Minister. 

The Minister, who came in on Monday,  later departed the airport  through the same aircraft that brought him in on Monday shortly after the inspection.

Oyebanji Condemns Looting As Fire Razes Multimillion Naira Property in Ekiti Community.

Oyebanji Condemns Looting As Fire Razes Multimillion Naira Property in Ekiti Community.

....sympathises with Victims.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has condemned the reported cases of looting of property by some unscrupulous elements during the midnight fire outbreak that surged in Igede Ekiti, on Tuesday and engulfed multimillion Naira property.

The governor promised to investigate the masterminds of the looting and bring them to justice.

Oyebanji said this in Igede Ekiti during his visit to the spot of the fire outbreak that engulfed two buildings, comprising six shops and other residential apartments. 

The inferno, which started around 1.30am, razed down two buildings and destroyed property worth millions of naira before the men of Ekiti State Fore Services intervened to rescue the situation.

Addressing the victims, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, sympathised with the victims, pledging that the government will intervene to palliate  their sufferings through relief materials .

He, however, expressed elation that no life lost during the midnight conflagration that destroyed the two buildings and many shops. 

Oyebanji suspected that the inferno must have surged due to electricity spark occasioned by high voltage and melting of wires, saying this makes it expedient for shop owners to always off their lights at night. 

On the reported cases of looting during the midnight fire outbreak, the governor described the action as extreme display  of wickedness, which he said shouldn't occur in an ideal society. 

The Governor also visited the palace of Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru to sympathise with the monarch on the highly painful occurrence and promised that his government shall swiftly commence enumeration of the property lost for intervention.

"I want to believe that the fire must have surged from electricity spark. The government has been crying and warning our people to always off their lights while not at home. Those who left their shops and refused to off the lights caused this and it was painful. 

"The wires must have melted when the high voltage electricity came resulting in fire that spread across the two buildings. Try and heed the government's advice on how we can effectively use our electricity.

"We sympathize with you. The news about these losses was not pleasurable to our governor. But we are assuring you that we will intervene. 

"The operatives of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency will soon come to do the enumeration of the victims and the estimate of the losses incurred".

On the looting, the governor , said: " I am not really happy that some people were looting property when they were to help safeguard the situation. This is bad and wicked. We are going to investigate this and whoever that is indicted shall be arrested and prosecuted accordingly", he vowed.

One of the victims, Mr Chinedu Nbamu, appreciated the governor for the visit, urging that those who looted  property should be investigated and arrested to serve as deterrent to others.

Nbamu, who described the incident as worrisome and painful, added that no one could ascertain the source of the inferno, while debunking the claim that the fire surged from his multimillion naira shop.

Expressing grieve over the occurrence, the Onigede of Igede Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru, appreciated the governor for displaying compassion and empathy at this highly excruciating time for the victims.

The monarch appealed to the government to act swiftly and start offering the victims palliatives to return to their businesses as quickly as possible.

GOV OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AVIATION MINISTER, KEYAMO ON 55TH BIRTHDAY.

GOV OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AVIATION MINISTER, KEYAMO ON 55TH BIRTHDAY.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) on his 55th birthday.

Governor Oyebanji said he is  happy to share the joy of the day with the Minister which came at a time he is on a working visit to Ekiti State. 

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, the Governor hailed Mr Keyamo's contributions to national development as a renowned lawyer, human rights activist and a reputable public servant.

The Governor described Keyamo as one of the most distinguished legal minds in the country, adding that the Minister has carved a niche for himself as a result- oriented public servant.

He equally lauded Keyamo for selfless service to his fatherland as a member of the Federal Executive Council first as Minister of State, Labour and Employment and presently as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Governor Oyebanji said Mr Keyamo would be remembered for his efforts in driving the vision of President Bola Tinubu to use the aviation industry as a catalyst for inflow of investment in line with the Renewed Hope agenda.

While praying for long life and sound health for the celebrant, the Governor wished the Minister more fruitful years of service to the nation and mankind.

“The Government and good people of Ekiti State, Land of Honour, felicitate a friend of the State, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo( SAN) os he marked his 55th birthday, in line of duty our dear state. 

“Our prayer is that God grants  him many more prosperous years as he continues to contribute to national building.”, the statement added.